Bowling club decision expected

Umina Bowling Club CEO Mr Greg Rand has said that a general meeting and extra ordinary general meeting to be held yesterday (Sunday, November 27) would decide the outcome of the club.

An information meeting was held at the club last Wednesday, at which Merrylands RSL representatives addressed the meeting.

This information was received very well, according to Mr Rand.

Mr Rand said that MC Holdings, another group interested in taking over the club, had declined to attend the meeting.

Umina Bowling publicity officer Mr John Worton said that everything looked "rosy" with a proposed amalgamation with Merrylands RSL.

"Merrylands RSL gave a talk on Wednesday at 6pm and they said that everything would stay the same," Mr Worton said.

Mr Worton said that the Merrylands representatives stated that the club would be run the same way, and that they would keep the greens.

"All their directors came up, and about 200 people turned up to the meeting," Mr Worton said.

"They have given a lot of money to charity over the years, and they like to put their staff through courses, and train people properly," Mr Worton said.

"That's what we need.

"They also said if they have to inject money into the club, they will."

Mr Worton said they were also looking at upgrading the catering.

"You have got to have good catering to get people into the club," Mr Worton said.

Mr Worton also said that MC Holdings had asked the club to postpone the general meeting for two weeks.

A letter detailing the Merrylands proposal was posted to every member of the club, according to Mr Worton.

The letter stated that "should the amalgamation be approved, the club would continue to support local community groups and charities serving the Umina Beach community and would work closely with the local business sector to meet the needs of this area".

The name of the club would also be maintained, as would the three bowling greens.

Merrylands representative also proposed to establish a consultative committee comprising two elected representatives each from the men's bowlers, women's bowlers, and social members, to advise the management on club matters.

All current members of the club would automatically become members of Merrylands RSL upon the completion of the amalgamation process, and be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of membership.

It was also stated that "at the time of amalgamation" all current staff employed at Umina Beach Bowling Club would retain existing positions, salaries and all accrued entitlements.

The letter stated that the amalgamation would release the club from its debt of $3.3 million.

It also stated that there would be no compulsory rent or consultancy charges attached to the amalgamation agreement.

"If amalgamation proceeds, Merrylands RSL management will strengthen trading performance of the Umina Beach Bowling Club in all areas of food, beverage and gaming," the letter stated.

"Umina Beach will have access to specialist managers in all administrative areas to assist in delivering improved services for members and better outcomes for the Club."

The letter further stated that it was proposed to develop a full master plan for the Umina Beach Bowling Club to identify potential future building expansion and enhancement projects that would "improve amenities and strengthen the financial performance of the Club".

It is proposed to develop close links between the members of Merrylands RSL and those in Umina Beach and to encourage regular visitation to Umina Beach Club by Merrylands residents to strengthen the local economy and increase the holiday trade in the area.

Lyle Stone, November 25